Paragliding in Sapa as a Solo pilot
FlySapa proudly welcomes paragliding pilots from around the world to experience the breathtaking skies of Sapa. Our facilities meet high international standards and are designed to support both performance flights and training for solo pilots.
Notice, though, that we are a tandem business, so priority in various aspects is always given to tandem passengers, e.g, Take-off, Car going up, etc. Also, our minimum pilot level requirement is very high to protect the safety and longevity of our site.
We really appreciate your understanding and cooperation.
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Rules and Conditions for Solo Pilots
To ensure a professional, safe, and legally compliant environment, please follow these rules:
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Hold at least FAI IPPI P4 (or equivalent). APPI license is also accepted. If you are from a country without a FAI NAC, other proof of qualification is also acceptable, specifically: 200 flying hours (tracklogs required) or 5 XC flights of 30km or more.
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Pilots not meeting the above requirements are required to be supervised by two instructors approved by FlySapa (i.e., individuals who are not only P5 or higher but also knowledgeable about the flying area). We can provide instructors at a cost of $50/instructor/flight.
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Carry full equipment: certified wing (EN/CCC, within weight range), reserve parachute, harness with back protection, radio (139.500 MHz), variometer, and speed bar.
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Notify and get approval from FlySapa before 14:00 the day before flying. Please note that simply messaging us and showing up will not be sufficient. You must obtain approval from us. We are really sorry about this inconvenience, but there have been solo pilots causing trouble with the authority on our site, and we have to take measures to protect the longevity of our site.
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Stay within the authorized flying area and altitude: 5km from the TO and LZ, and with altitude no higher than 2050m.
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Sign a liability waiver before flying.
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Hold insurance that covers paragliding. If you don't have one, you can purchase one from our provider for $10 or 250k VND per day.
HOW TO FLY SAFELY IN SAPA
Valley Winds:
The Mường Hoa Valley lies between the Hoàng Liên Sơn Range (with Fansipan) and Hàm Rồng Range. The narrow valley funnels wind, especially at the landing zone. Expect two main directions — southeast (“Hanoi wind”) and northwest (“Ô Quy Hồ wind”). Winds at landing can be stronger than aloft; you may feel like you’ll overshoot but slow dramatically near the ground.
Power Lines:
High-voltage lines run along TL152 parallel to the landing field. They are usually not in your final approach path but remain vigilant. We recommend making figure-8s over the main stream in the valley to stay well clear.
Launch Conditions:
FlySapa’s take-off allows NW, W, SW and S launches. Winds can shift quickly, and some apparent headwinds are rotor effects from the mountain. Check all wind socks placed around the field carefully before take-off.
In-Flight Tips:
Stay focused throughout. The drier northwest climate produces strong thermals and turbulence. Ridge-soaring is possible to maintain altitude, but when planning to land, head out toward the center of the valley to maximize AGL.
Changing weather:
Perhaps the biggest risk in flying in Sapa is the changing weather. You can take off into a reasonable dry sky, but it can rain a few minutes later. So please be extra careful and only launch into the perfect sky with absolultely no risk of thunderstorm or rain.
Pricing and other useful information
Site fee:
$10 or 250k VND per pilot per day
All fees include access to both launch and landing zones, legal flight notification, and on-site support (within FlySapa’s tandem operations). Transportation and insurance are separate.
Instructors:
$50 or 1250k VND per instructor per flight
For pilots with a rating lower than P4, we require you to have 2 instructors (approved by us), one on the Take-off and one on the Landing Zone to support you. The fee for instructors may sound high, but they earn that much (if not more) by flying tandem themselves.
Transportation:
$5 or 125k VND per flight (from Office to Take-off)
You may arrange a taxi or Grab (easily available) to go from LZ to the Office or to Sapa town. The only part where you need our help is from Office to Take-off. FYI, our office is conveniently located in the middle of Sapa town, TO, and LZ.
Insurance:
$10 or 250k VND per pilot per day
Our provider is either MIC or BSH, and we did sign a long-term partnership with them, covering all paragliding activities in Sapa. If you already have insurance (cover paragliding), no need to worry about this. But if you don't, it is mandatory to fly at our site. Please let us know when you plan to fly before 14:00 the day before.
Flight Application
Please complete the form to apply to fly with us. Call us if you don't hear from us within 4 hours.